The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-04-23

successful ministry in our age? In
these times the churches are quite ex-
tensively engaged in getting up shows
and schemes to obtain money. But
this is not part of successful minis
| try. Neither does it consist in the
mere ability to draw crowd. Guam
| tity should not be counted more than
quality. Modern life is full of irrev-
erence; and Sam Jones has influence to
the extent of this irreverent spirit.
But, rising above irreverence, and the
money mania, and the love of a crowd,
and popularity, blessed is the ministry
which breaches the saving truth of God;
to uplift and strengthen in spirit is the
gospel mission. The goal of the Chris
| tan ministry is to make man holy,
pure, upright in thought and deed. In
this sense, many devoted soul is more
successful than some popular perform
ers'' in prominent city pulpits. The
| first element in successful ministry is
religion. The preacher must have the
life of God in his own soul, else he can
not impart it to other souls. The min
lister should be a man of faith. This is
doubling age, but its deeper longing
is for faith. Doubts empty the pews.
To succeed, the minister must be able
to impart faith. To impart it he must
| A mir icfr RI
must be hopeful. There must be hope
even for "dead pagans"-hope that will
support the soul in sustained endeavor
to realize highest things. There must
also be charity-a genuine brotherly re-
gard toward all men. A few weeks
ago, some Chicago ministers learned
that it does not avail much to be I'M
charitable. A successful ministry must
be characterized by intellectual honesty
teaching with no uncertain sound,
what one believes. The minister should
voice his convictions. TIC convince and
move one must himself believe the
things he teaches. Ability to grasp
the situation and power to master it is
necessary to ministerial success. This
implies that the ministry must be en-
dowed with intellectual strength. Not
mental dudeism, but live, growing
bold on truth, is wanted.
Brief Discussion
followed DR.. Cranes paper, in which
several pastors participated with direct
and earnest questions in regard to the
practical work of the ministry. Shall
the minister discountenance "enter-
tainments" in the parish ? No; but
they are to be used as tributary to the
purpose of the church. An interesting
point was suggested in regard to the
character of preaching. Is the pulpit
to entertain .? Should sermons be Ten
tertaining ?'' Answer: The sermon
should be interesting and instructive,
as muen so as the preacher can make it
always. There should be higher pur-
pose than mere entertainment. 1t
was said that this latter word was not the
proper word. although the popular one, to
use in such connection. This closed the
first mornings work.
In the afternoon, at 2, Rev. J. M.
Payson, of La Crosse, Wis, presented
paper on
physical Habits Requisite to Ministerial
Success"
He remarked in substance All hab-
its requisite to healthy, physical con-
dition, are essential to a minister's
success. A healthy body is no more
necessary on the farm or in the shop
than in the minister's, lawyers, or edi-
tors study. Every sermon represents
certain measure of physical energy.
There must be physical fuel to feed
that fire, out of which come Thoughts
that breathe and words that burn"
If there be any occupation that demands
cheerfulness, it is the ministry. More
ministers have their temperament to
blame for their failure than their lack
of intellectual ability. Physical sur
roundings affect the spirits. More than
by any other influence they are affected
by the health. Those physical habits
essential to good health, are requi-
site to ministerial success. The min
lister should be judicious and method
ical in his habits of study. The min
lister should be temperate at the table.
Rich food is poor spice for thought.
The minister cannot afford to dissolve
his success in the ashes and smoke of
cigars. The minister who is boisterous
in his manners, must have unusual
qualifications otherwise, ifhewi much
success. l would have a minister thor
oughly acquainted with his people, but
familiarity breeds contempt. Appro-
priateness and neatness in dress are i'm
pOrtant elements in ministerial sue
cess. We are trying to advance a great
cause. Inregard to manner, dress, ETC.,
the question is not what will please us,
but what will best conserve the progress
of our work.
Exercises in hymn and Scripture